Share this:

The 49ers went with one backup inside linebacker on the 53-man roster. Looks like they’ll be desperately needing his services Sunday in Kansas City.

Starting “Ted” linebacker Takeo Spikes is questionable with a strained knee, which could thrust third-round draft pick NaVorro Bowman into his first NFL start three games into his rookie career.

Bowman took over for the injured Spikes in the second half of Monday’s 25-22 loss to the Saints. His biggest play was actually on special teams, when he made a diving stop on a fourth-quarter kick return to prevent a huge gain.

“He did a good job,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said during a press conference before practice Wednesday.

But, was it good enough to leave the 49ers feeling good about their depth-chart situation?

Singletary acknowledges they may need to bring in an inside linebacker, but he’s resisted signing one all month for the sake of just doing it.

Bowman has worked on learning the Ted position after playing outside linebacker at Penn State. “Mike” linebacker Patrick Willis has no backup on the roster, though outside pass rusher Ahmad Brooks could fill in during an absolute emergency — and it would take an absolute emergency to get Willis off the field.

One logical solution would be to bring back veteran Matt Wilhelm, who they cut in training camp. Wilhelm remains unemployed, but Singletary said he was released because he did not fit the identity of the defense he wants to run.

Undrafted rookie Keaton Kristick is on the practice squad, but Singletary said they’re “not quite at that point yet” when asked if he could get promoted.

For the time being, it sounds like they’ll let Bowman learn on the run until Willis gets better. With no one in place by practice Wednesday, there is almost no way they can get someone signed and ready for Sunday’s game in Kansas City — especially since the team is leaving a day early Friday for the Midwest trip.